Guardian Writer Dave Hill On Politics, People & Goings On

Mayoral Election 2008

June 04, 2008

"The 2008 London election results highlighted the severity of the situation we face in Barking and Dagenham. Unless urgent and real action is taken it is not implausible that the British National Party will become the largest single party on the council in 2010 and gain one or two MPs."

March 03, 2008

"Radio 4 reporter Andrew Hosken has just finished his biography of Ken Livingstone, which is being rushed out in time for the mayoral election. Hosken is the man whose investigations into Shirley Porter's time as leader of Westminster City Council first alleged corruption. I reported some time ago that Ken had submitted to interviews from Hosken in the belief that keeping his enemies close was the safest way to deal with the project. His publisher promises the book is 'balanced', but warns that Ken can 'expect one or two surprises.'"

So there's a Brian book and now a Ken book timed for pre-election release. I know what you're thinking, Boris, and I'd love to. But the money has to be so right...

"There is no check or balance on the mayor. No member of the Greater London Authority could credibly claim that they have any control or that their scrutiny role amounts to more than a row of beans. This relationship between the mayor and the assembly, his parliament, needs to be changed."

So, local Conservatives organise a march to save St Mary's Hospital's A&E and Maternity departments and invite everyone to come. Brian Paddick accepts and takes his place alongside Boris Johnson. But after The Blond has spoken, a local Tory Councillor runs off with the megaphone to prevent the Lib Dem candidate doing the same. Well, that's what Duncan Borrowman says.